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Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

It’s worth paying the $49 annual fee to enjoy a free night at hotels that usually cost hundreds of dollars each night.

If award nights are available, you can use your IHG free night certificate to book it. Log into your account and click the link for “Free Night Status.” This link will appear on your account after you’d had the card for a year. Simply click through and book your hotel as usual – for free!

You’ll See a“Free Night Status” After You’ve Had the Card for 1 Year

Here are my picks for where to use your free night certificate. I haven’t stayed at all of these hotels, but they look like excellent deals! Let me know if you have one to add to the list!

The rates here are based on available rooms in June 2016. And don’t forget, rates can go up or down, depending on the season.

I found standard rooms for ~$172 a night. And if you wanted to stay a few more days in Lima, you can also book this hotel for 25,000 IHG points per night.

It gets 4 stars on TripAdvisor. Reviewers like the free breakfast, convenient location, and friendly staff.

Folks Often Fly Into Lima to Visit Machu Picchu Because the Flights Are Cheaper, and the Flight Between Lima and Cusco Is Only ~1.5 Hours

And of course, while visiting Peru, you can’t skip Machu Picchu! My friend hiked the Salkantay Trail to the ruins. And said it was an amazing experience! She recommends climbing Huayna Picchu for the best views!

4. InterContinental Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a wonderful city where you can experience Brazil’s architectural history and culture. The InterContinental Sao Paulo gets almost all 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Folks love the modern rooms, good location, and helpful staff.

Enjoy the Modern Interior of the InterContinental Sao Paulo in Brazil

Rooms cost ~$233 or 35,000 IHG points per night. Or ~$400+ during peak times. So you’re saving lots of money OR points when you use your free night certificate here!

Bonus Pick: Holiday Inn Express Quito

The Holiday Inn Express Quito is centrally located with easy access to many of the city’s popular attractions. It’s not as fancy as the other picks, but if you care more about the location than the hotel, it could be a good choice.

Quito is a beautiful city with lots to explore. And it’s also a great jumping-off point to the Galapagos Islands.

Dive With Sea Lions and Other Amazing Sea Creatures in the Galapagos!

You could spend a few days diving in the Galapagos with the money you saved using your IHG free night certificate and points. A friend of mine dove with sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, and hammerhead sharks during her visit!

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel

Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 for a minimum of one year on qualifying food purchases with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.

Earn 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2022. That’s 3X points in addition to the 2X points you already earn on travel.

Intro APR on purchases

N/A

Regular APR

15.99%-22.99% Variable

Annual Fee

$95

Balance Transfer

Yes

Rates & Fees

Annual Fee$95

Other

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)

2comments

Need some help with my virgin flying club points. Where other than virgin can I use these points, like can I use this for booking a room in Marriott? or can I use transfer these points to emirates or Singapore airlines? Please help

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)